A Physically-Based Analytical Polarization Curve of a PEM Fuel Cell

An analytical polarization curve of the cathode side of a PEM fuel cell is derived. The curve results from approximate solution of the system of equations for the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) performance and it takes into account the oxygen and proton transport losses in the CCL, and the oxygen transport loss in the GDL. Fitting of the model equation to recently published polarization data is performed and the parameters resulted from fitting are discussed. Processing of accelerated stress testing results using the model equation is demonstrated. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.